Thursday, July 17, 2014

The fearless social consciousness and command Paul Robeson had is what inspired the Robey Theatre Company to launch its first Paul Robeson Theatre Festival, to be held at the Los Angeles Theatre CenterJuly 18-19, 2014.

Paul Robeson

On Saturday, July 19th, 15 short one-act plays written by both emerging and established playwrights will be performed. All of the plays accepted were inspired by Robeson’s principles, his dignity and intelligence. Each play reminds us of the extraordinary scholarship, talents, suffering, and the triumphs in one man’s lifetime which forged the legacy we know as Paul Robeson. His fight for social justice and human rights is the making of dramatic tension, joy, and celebration. The festival serves not just as homage to Robeson, but also provides a space for artists at various skill levels an opportunity to display and cultivate their craft. Attendees will leave inspired by Paul Robeson's legacy.

In this blog post we introduce and celebrate the directors of the 2014 Paul Robeson Theatre Festival.

Ryan V. Anderson.Director and writer of out:side.

Ryan V. Anderson

A native New Yorker residing in LA, Ryan received his MFA from Calarts. Regional theater acting credits: Much Ado About Nothing (African-American Shakespeare Company), In The Red And Brown Water (Marin Theater Company), Queenie Pie (Long Beach Opera), Clybourne Park (PCPA), Eurydice (A Noise Within), You Can't Take It With You (Antaeus), Hamlet (Independent Shakespeare Company), The Old Settler (International City Theater), Death and the King's Horseman (Oregon Shakespeare Festival). Link for Ryan V. Anderson: www.ryanvanderson.com

Robert ClementsDirector of: Eslanda Unplugged, written by Nui Brown.Plantin, written by George Corbin.

Robert Clements

Robert Clements (Tubby) was raised in Hartford, CT and seasoned in NYC. Robert was in the original Robey production of The Emperor”s Last Performance, and the award-winning trilogy For the Love of Freedom. He was a regular on The Guiding Light; and has acted in many theatrical productions, including Bronzeville, Fences, West Memphis Mojo, The Tempest, Henry IV, and Doogans with James Gandolfini, among many others.

Josiah DavisDirector of La Loteria, written by Sphia Washam.Originally from Dallas, Texas, Josiah graduated with a B.A. from the UCLA school of Theater, Film, and Television in December 2012. While there he, specialized in acting and directing. A beginning director, his recent directing credits

Josiah Davis

include assistant directing EXPLODING LEAR at UCLA with Helena Kaut-Howson and Kathryn Hunter from the Royal Shakespeare Company; assistant directing HABITAT at The LATC with Jose Luis Valenzuela; assistant directing Pinter’s THE BIRTHDAY PARTY at the Geffen Playhouse under William Friedkin. Most recently, Josiah finished his directing debut DRUNK TANK: THE MUSICAL, a new original musical for the Hollywood Fringe Festival with Common Good Productions. He would like to thank his family, friends, The LATC, and The Robey Theatre Company for their support.

Ben GuilloryDirector of:Paul Robeson in Berlin, written by Robert Coles and Bartley McSwine.We Wear The Mask, written by Paula Neiman.I SHOT the Sheriff, written by Levy Lee Simon.Ben Guillory studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, and has worked extensively in theatre, film and television for the past 35 years as an actor, director, and producer.While at the American Conservatory Theatre, Mr. Guillory appeared in, Julius Caesar, The Taming of the Shrew, Peer Gynt, Desire under the Elms, Misanthrope, The Cherry Orchard, Othello, Athol Fugard’s Sizwe Banzi is Dead for the Arizona Theater Company, The Los Angeles Theatre Center’s production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Sacramento Theatre”s production of Fences, the Mark Taper Forums, Miss Ever’s Boys, the Robey/Greenway co-production of Permanent Collection at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, The Piano Lesson, and The River Niger for Robey. Currently, Mr. Guillory is the Producing Artistic Director of the award-winning Robey Theatre Company, coordinating Robey’s Playwrights Program, directing the Robey Play Reading Series, and serving as instructor for its Advanced Scene Workshop. Co-producing with Elephant Industries, Bee-Luther-Hatchee, Yohen with East-West Players, For The Love of Freedom Part I: Toussaint; and Part II: Dessalines with the Greenway Arts Alliance, Part III: Christophe with the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, The Last Season with Legacy Productions, A Medley of One Act Plays at the Los Angeles Theatre Center with the Against Type Theatre Company, Bronzeville, The River Niger, The Emperors Last Performance, The Reckoning, and Pity the Proud Ones, Camp Logan, and Anna Lucasta are some of his accomplishments as Producing Artistic Director, and co-founder with Danny Glover of The Robey Theatre Company.

Ben Guillory

Mr. Guillory received the San Francisco Critic”s Circle Award, for his portrayal of Paul Robeson, in the Illustrated Stage’s production of, Are You Now or Have You Ever Been. For his Los Angeles performances of Phillip Hayes Dean’s Paul Robeson, Mr. Guillory received the Drama Logue Award and a Special NAACP Theatre Award, and for his directing efforts on For the Love of Freedom: Part I, he was presented with an NAACP Theatre Award. In 2010 he received honors from Playwrights Arena for Outstanding Contributions to the Los Angeles Theatre Community a third award from the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP for Best Producer of The River Niger in 2010 and again for The Reckoning in 2011. Acting Television credits include, Mad Love, Eli Stone, My Name is Earl, The West Wing, Threat Matrix, Still Standing, Charmed, The Guardian, Dynasty, The District, Judging Amy, Linc’s, LA Law, JAG, The Young and the Restless, NCSI, Jack and Bobby, and Masters of Sex. Films acting credits include The Color Purple, Our Father, The Tuskegee Airmen, Star Wars, Maid to Order, The Kindred, 3 Strikes, Crawlers, America’s Dream and The Harimaya Bridge. In the interest of diversity in the Television and Motion Picture industry, Mr. Guillory was invited to forge an ongoing partnership with CBS and ABC resulting in development of a nationwide Industry Diverse Showcase for actors of color.Tommy HicksDirector of Say Something, written by Dominique Miller.

Tommy Hicks

Mr. Hicks is more widely known for his starring roles in independent feature films, most notably, Spike Lee’s groundbreaking feature, SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT!, Julie Dash’s Sundance Award winning, DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST, and Sundance, LA Spirit, and MacArthur Genius award winning writer/director Charles Burnett’s feature film, THE GLASS SHIELD. Tommy is a former Walt Disney Studios Screenwriting Fellowship Award Winner, and has written commissioned screenplays for Robert Townsend’s Tinseltownsend Productions, and Cineville Films. Tommy has also lectured on Theater, Film, and Television at University campuses across the country for The American Program Bureau, and his company, Artist Resources Unlimited. Tommy dramaturged and directed the hit play, CHAMPION at the Beverly Hills Playhouse’s Skylight Theatre that was moved to New York City’s famed The New Federal Theatre for a critically acclaimed run. Most recently, Tommy directed ‘ROID RAGE at the Write Act Theatre in Hollywood, BIRD LIVES! at Leimert Park’s The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, and MIM & ROSE at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica. Tommy is a member of the Actors Studio Playwrights/Directors Unit.Adleane HunterDirector of:The Rhythm Keepers, written by Kellie Dantzler.Rules of the Debate, written by Inda Craig-Galvin.ETHIOP-ICA, written by Julie Taiwo Oni.

Adleane Hunter

Adleane feels fortunate to have discovered her love for new work early in her career. She finds collaborating with playwrights the height of creativity and connectivity; and the development process with actors both gratifying and magical. Some of the new works she has worked on are: PIECES OF ME by Loretta Devine; BLACK WOMEN’S BLUES; BLACK RESURRECTIONS by Gus Edwards; MOMMA WAS A BAD MUTA . . . by Flyicia King; CRYIN' SHAME by Javon Johnson.

Mohammed A. Ojarigi.

Director and writer of Greenwood 1964.

Mohammed A. Ojarigi

The Nigerian American Actor / Writer / Director / Producer Mohammed Ali Ojarigi was born in Minneapolis Minnesota. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Performing Arts at UNLV. Has landed work in several National Commercial ads; currently has a reoccurring role on General Hospital as Officer Fleet Adams. Displeased with the level of opportunity and depth in roles for people of color in Film and Television. He started his own production company Inner Child Artistry Productions private coaching sessions now available.Link for Mohammed A. Ojarigi: www.innerchildartistry.com.Dwain A. Perry.Director of:Miss Pauline, written by Cornell Hubert Calhoun.Deep River, written by La'Chris Jordan.

Dwain A. Perry is happy to work once again with Robey Theatre Company and celebrate its 20th Anniversary. Most recently directed Knock Me A Kiss, by Charles Smith. Previous

Dwain A. Perry

directing credits include Transitions by Kellie Dantzler, which was selected for the National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina and also won a NAACP Award for Best Ensemble. The River Niger, by Joseph A. Walker and Permanent Collection, by Thomas Gibbons, that was co-directed with Harry Lennix for Robey and Greenway Court Theatre. This production was moved, by the request of Michael Ritchie of the Center Theatre Group, to the Kirk Douglas Theatre were it was nominated for an LA WEEKLY AWARD for Best Revival.

Dylan SouthardDirector of:H.U.A.C, written by Dr. Alicia Tycer.The Agreement by Kurt D. Maxey.Dylan is the resident dramaturg for The Robey Theatre Company. He previously served as

Dylan Southard

production dramaturg for The Emperor’s Last Performance by Melvin Ishmael Johnson, Transitions by Kellie Dantzler, The Reckoning by Kimba Henderson, and Pity the Proud Ones by Kurt D. Maxey, all developed and produced through Robey's Playwrights Program under his watch. He is the co-Artistic Director of the Los Angeles-based company Needtheater, where he directed the world premiere of Guided Consideration of a Lamentable Deed. Additional directing credits include The Lover at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and Carpe Diesal at London's inaugural Timewave Festival in 2013. Locally, he has worked in new play development with Center Theatre Group, The Geffen Playhouse, The Theatre @ Boston Court, Native Voices at The Autry, Lower Depth Theatre Ensemble, Theatre Dybbuk, LoNyLa, and the Network of Ensemble Theatres. His writing on theatre can be found at the websites Howlround and L.A. Bitter Lemons. Dylan trained as a dramaturg under a two year fellowship with Centerstage Baltimore and is a graduate of Wesleyan University.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

During the McCarthy era, a selected group of people were called before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), where they were asked to answer whether they were a communist or not, and if so, to give the names of other communists. Paul Robeson was one of these persons called and he refused to answer, stating as an American it was within his right not to answer such a question. He was then asked about a recent trip he took to the Soviet Union. He replied:

"In Russia, I felt for the first time like a full human being…no color prejudice like in Mississippi, no color prejudice like in Washington.''

1956 Paul Robeson before the HUAC

When the committee asked if he liked Russia so much, why didn’t he stay there, he answered:

"Because my father was a slave and my people died to build this country and I am going to stay here and have a part in it just like you. And no fascist-minded people will drive me from it. Is that clear?''This fearless social consciousness and command Paul Robeson had is what inspired the Robey Theatre Company to launch its first Paul Robeson Theatre Festival, to be held at the Los Angeles Theatre CenterJuly 18-19, 2014.

The Robey put out a "call for submissions" in February 2014 for playwrights to submit their original play or a scene from a body of work (no more than 20 pages long), that addressed and/or reflected Paul Robeson’s principles concerning social consciousness. The plays submitted did not have to be about Mr. Robeson per se, only to have been inspired by his values.The following is a list of the writers, the title of their play, and the directors who were selected for the 2014 Paul Robeson Theatre Festival:

Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Robey Theatre Company in association with The Latino Theatre Company and Kathie Foley-Meyer presents

BRONZEVILLE

Written by Tim Toyama & Aaron Woolfolk

Directed by Ben Guillory

Bronzeville opened yesterday and runs through July 21st at The Los Angeles Theatre Center 514 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.The play Bronzeville opens in the Summer of 1942 after the implementation of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 leading to the interment of over 120,000 Japanese Americas for the duration of World War II. Bronzeville refers to a section of Los Angeles, California mostly inhabited by Japanese Americans during that time. Once the execute order was carried out and Bronzeville stripped of its inhabitants, the now abandon buildings of homes and businesses became a source of what seemed like opportunities for the influx of Black American citizens, mostly migrating from the South to Los Angeles. Bronzeville is a fictional story based on the truth of what happen during that time in American history when a Black family, the Goodwins, discover a Japanese American Man, Henry, "stowed away" in their new home. As the story unfolds the Goodwin's find themselves engaged in a quandary: Do they do what they feel is moral or do they do what they feel is right?

Monday, March 4, 2013

Last fall, the Robey Theatre Company presented Anna Lucasta which received rave reviews from audience members and theatre critics. The play, directed by Ben Guillory, ran from November 10th - December 9th. It was written by PhilipYordan and was initially written for a Polish family. However, in 1944 the American Negro Theatre produced Anna Lucasta with an all Black cast that enjoyed a 957 performance run on broadway.

In celebration of the play and its wonderful, colorful characters the Robey Theatre Company asked the cast of this production to play a little game called, "Two Truths and a Lie." The actors were instructed to share two truths and one lie about themselves from the point of view of the character they portrayed. This was initially published as part of the Robey's Anna Lucasta blog (www.annalucasta.blogspot.com).

Here is what the actors submitted.

Anna Lucasta

"I'm Anna. My drink is gin. I ran away from home 2 years ago I got hitched to Danny in Atlantic City."

Theresa Lucasta

"Hi my name is Theresa Lucasta and I am come from a wealthy southern family. My husband Joe is an alcoholic and I often wish I had married my first love, Otis, instead."

Rudolf Slocum
"I am Rudolf Slocum and I am so in love with Anna Lucasta that I can't wait to take her as my bride and return to my fathers farm and start our life together."

Frank Lynch

"I'm a strong family man and a wonderful husband.. I believe democracy is "all for all and one for one". I am a natural born leader with political aspirations. I am Frank Lynch!"

Stella Lucasta

"I love my sister. I didn't want to have kids. Otis is my dad."

Stanley Lucasta
"I believe in God, I feel I am a good person at heart, and I dearly love my wife."

Katie Lucasta
"Hi, I'm Katie, I'm from Scranton, Pennsylvania, I've been happily married to Stanley Lucasta for 2 years, and I've always dreamed of being a librarian."

Joe Lucasta

"I have never cheated on my wife, I love my daughter Anna very much, and I've been secretly faking my so called disease."

Blanche

“Hi, I'm Blanche and I moved to New York to pursue a career in what some call the "2nd oldest profession in the world" - acting, however I ended up working in the "oldest profession in the world"... I tell my family I'm a model.”

Danny

"Danny loves Anna. Danny loves Jesus as his personal savior and wants to integrate into the middle class. Danny rejects all your values, who ever the hell you are."

Lester
"Hi, I'm Lester and I'm from Connecticut. I joined the Navy to serve my country, but I wanted to get out and see the world too."

Eddy

"I am a successful business man, I am in love with Anna, and I never lie."

Noah
"I came to New York to become a famous Blues singer and took a part-time job tending bars, I is still tending bars after 30 years. I has no musical talent whatsoever only in his mind. I in love with Blanche having known her for 20 years and have seen her go downhill on grease."

ACTOR BIOGRAHPIES

Ashlee Olivia (Anna Lucasta) Ashlee was born raised here in Los Angeles. After discovering her passion for performing arts at an early age, she persuaded her parents to enroll her into programs such as All About Kids and Amazing Grace Conservatory, while keeping abreast of every school casting! Ashlee decided that acting was what she wanted to do with her life. She was accepted to The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago and quickly made a splash amongst her peers with her engaging performance qualities. Shortly after graduating she was cast in Milk directed by Chuck Smith and soon, went on to do many other productions with MPAACT Theatre Co. Ashlee has worked with the Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakes, Casa 0101, and now is very happy to add Robey to her Resume. This is a dream role for her along a ride that is just beginning. She thanks Ben Guillory for believing in her.

Cydney Wayne Davis (Theresa Lucasta) is a professional singer, actress, songwriter, vocal coach and playwright. She has toured the world singing background for artists: Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Barry White, Joe Cocker and continues to work with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. from the 5th Dimension. Her original music is heard in films "Heaven Is A Playground" and "Black Magic Woman." Motown recording artist Diana Ross recorded one of Cydney's original songs: "You're Gonna Love It". Cydney continues to study acting with Ben Guillory through the Robey Theatre's Advanced Scene Study Workshop; she’s appeared in two Robey plays, The River Niger as Grandma Whilimena Brown and Kellie Dantzler’s Transitions as Verlie, for which she and the cast won the 2010 NAACP Theatre Award for "Best Ensemble Cast." Her debut as playwright and director also came in 2010 when her one-act play United Front", dealing with a family facing the threat of AIDS, was selected by NAACP Theatre Festival Committee for their "Salute to 10-Minute Plays." Her film and TV credits include "Crossroads," "La Bamba," "Moon Lighting," "Arsenial Hall Show,", "The Tonight Show," and "City Guys." She’s currently in the studio recording her first solo CD entitled "Cydney with a C". Cydney wishes to thank God, her family, Mr. Ben Guillory and the Robey Theatre for this opportunity.

Dwain A. Perry (Rudolf Slocum) is happy to work once again with Robey Theatre Company. Dwain was last seen in the Robey Theatre Company-Sparkling City Entertainment and Juvee Productions production of Camp Logan, by Celeste Bedford Walker. Other productions with Robey include Bronzeville, byTimothy Toyama and Aaron Woolfolk, directed by Ben Guillory, that traveled to Manzanar for a special week of performances. Melvin Ishmael Johnson's The Emperors Last Performance directed by Ben Guillory and The Last Season by Christopher Moore, directed by Chuck Smith. Directing credits for Robey include Transitions by Kellie Dantzler, which was selected for the National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina and also won a NAACP Theatre Award for Best Ensemble. The River Niger, by Joseph A. Walker and Permanent Collection, by Thomas Gibbons, that was co-directed with Harry Lennix for Robey and Greenway Court Theatre. This production was moved, by the request of Michael Ritchie of the Center Theatre Group, to the Kirk Douglas Theatre were it was nominated for an LA WEEKLY AWARD for Best Revival.

Sammie Wayne (Frank) played Gweely Brown and served as Lighting Designer for the Robey Theatre Company’s last production—Celeste Walker Bedford’s play Camp Logan. Wayne can deliver as a director, actor, stage manager, lighting designer and producer. He pursued a degree and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from DePaul University. The Beverly Hills-Hollywood NAACP awarded him 2010 Best Supporting Male Actor and the 2011 NAACP Theatre Award for Best Lighting Design. Other stage credits include The Blacks, Salome, Sisterella, and One Woman Two Lives. Some of his TV and film credits include “Judging Amy”, “Ask Harriet” “Diagnosis Murder”, “Danger in Paradise” and “Soulmates”. Sammie has stage managed and designed lighting for one-person shows: Emmy Award Winning Actor, Glynn Turman's Movin' Man; Loretta Devine's, Pieces of Me; Kim Wayans’, A Handsome Woman Retreats; Ella Joyce’s A Rose Among Thorns; and Helie Lee's, Macho Like Me. Sammie also directed Macho Man Like Me, which received an LA Weekly Theatre nomination for Best One-Person Show. Sammie also co-produces, stage manages, and designs the lights for Giving Back Corporations Annual Toast/Roast, a fundraiser to help provide book scholarships for H.S. seniors entering their freshman year in college while honoring living legends who paved the way for our youth. Prior to his career in entertainment, Sammie spent more than 11 years in corporate America as a software engineer for General Motors; Electronic Data Systems and Northrop Grumman.

Alvina Carroll Saunders (Stella Lucasta) is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. She has been performing on the Regional Theatre scene for years, some of her credits include: “Listen to Your Women”, What A Woman Will Do For Love”, and “A Mother’s Prayer”. After falling in love with performing, she decided to see what Hollywood had to offer. After only a few months in LA, she was blessed to land the role as Rose in August Wilson, Fences. That was just the beginning of her journey, other LA credits include: For Colored Girls…, Chicago Club “Rumboogie”, and Butterflies of Uganda to name a few. Alvina is honored to be in the company of such talented actors and believes she can do all things through Christ, which strengthens her.

Kem Saunders (Stanley Lucasta) is a graduate of Kent State University with a Masters of Education M.Ed. Kem attended The British American Drama Academy at Oxford University and studied under the tutelage of such notable instructors as Fiona Shaw, Henry Goodman and the legendary John Barton. His Regional Theatre credits include: Touch The Names/Ensemble Theatre, To Kill A Mockingbird, A Soldiers Play/Boarshead Theatre, Let Me Live/ The Goodman Theatre, My Children My Africa/Barberton Playhouse, Pill Hill, The Piano Lesson and IAM A MAN at the Karamu Theatre. His Los Angeles Theatre appearances include the critically acclaimed Butterflies of Uganda/Greenway Court Theatre, For the Love Freedom Trilogy/Robey Theatre, and Mine Eyes Have Seen/Theatre Banshee. Recent television appearances include Love Bites (NBC) The Shield (FX), Everybody Hates Chris (The CW), and Chocolate News (Comedy Central). His only thoughts related to this production are “What a blessing to be working with such talented people, who have such passion for the craft.”

Tanya Lane (Katie Lucasta) is delighted to be working with the Robey family again. She was last seen in Robey’s “The Reckoning” as Helene Metoyer. Previous to LA, she worked with various theatre companies in Chicago including Congo Square’s "King of Coons" directed by Harry Lennix, Eclipse’s "Hospice" directed by Chuck Smith, MPAACT's "Bus Boyz" and "Relevant Hearsay" at Victory Gardens Greenhouse and "Amistad Voices" written and produced by Ifa Bayeza, performed at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Some of her other credits include a short film "Blue in Joy" and a brief appearance on "ER" as Stephanie Burke. Thank you to the wonderful cast & crew, and Ben for creating an open and loving space to play in. To My Goose: a snow angel a day will keep the winter blues away.

Robert Clements (Joe Lucasta) Born and raised in Hartford Connecticut and seasoned in NYC, Robert now calls LA his home. This is his fifth Robey Theatre Company Production including all three of the acclaimed trilogy For the Love of Freedom by Levy Lee Simon about the Haitian Revolution. Thanks Ben for your Brilliance in Casting. “Striving for excellence is tantamount for success” is Robert’s motto.

Jennifer Sammons (Blanche) is a native of Clinton, North Carolina and graduate of North Carolina Central University (B.A. & M.A.). She produced/hosted the TV talk show, “Focus on the Triangle” (Durham, NC) and interviewed celebrities such as Danny Glover, Joe Theismann and covered the National Black Theatre Festival. Jennifer was featured as JET Magazine “Beauty of the Week”. In LA, Jennifer landed roles on TV sitcoms Moesha and The Parker’s. She appeared in the Tony-nominated play, The First Breeze of Summer, which earned her an NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She most recently played the role of Zora Neale Hurston in Gil Faison’s Eagle Pride. Other performances include a previous production of Anna Lucasta (playing Katie), Raisin In The Sun (Ruth), Eubie Waller’s Last Rites, The Awakening, The Power of Black Love, Smile-n-Faces, Oasis, and Pathway to Freedom. Giving all glory to God, Jennifer extends special thanks to Ben Guillory for the opportunity to experience “Blanche” along with this wonderful cast, to her mentor Anthony Chisholm for his wisdom & encouragement, and to her mother Patricia and family for their unconditional love and support. Jennifer dedicates this stage performance in loving memory of her father Darius Sammons, Jr. and to Lenny Mayes.

Nick Gillie (Danny) last appeared on stage in The Shelter at the Odyssey Theater and Orlando at The Actor’s Gang. He is also proud to have done plays with Zoo District Theater Company, including the title role in Nosferatu. Recently he played “Poins” in brother Harry Lennix’s “H4”, a soon to be released film. Nick is a produced screenwriter of “Never Get Outta The Boat”, a film that premiered at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and won awards at five other festivals including Best Feature at the Hollywood Black Film Festival. Currently Nick is developing three projects, on SNCC; on social justice courts; and on LA gang intervention. He serves as a consultant to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and also serves on the Board of Directors of The Peace Alliance (TPA). Nick also serves as Fight Choreographer for Anna Lucasta. Nick is very proud to be one small part of this amazing cast of Anna Lucasta and very proud to be working with Ben Guillory.

Kaylon Hunt (Lester) A graduate of University Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, Kaylon has been recognized for his body of work in both acting and filmmaking. Hunt has made numerous appearances in independent film; his stage credits include The Colored Museum and Camp Logan’ Anna Lucasta is Kaylon’s second stage production with the Robey Theatre Company.

TALMADGE A. TALIB (Eddy). Front Page Associate Producer, Actor, Activist and Entrepreneur, Tal Talib after 20 plus years in the Auto Industry (Service, Sales, Finance & Management), decided to make a career change. In a desire to make a contribution to his community with the intention of changing the negative images and stereo-types of African-Americans around the world, chose to move into the media & entertainment industry. A graduate of Studio IV Acting Conservatory in San Diego and a current student at Robey Theatre Company in Los Angeles, Talib has had extensive training and experience in stage productions, TV and Film. Nominated for an Aubrey Award in 2001 in San Diego, he has since made Los Angeles his home and is very active in the community here.

Carl Crudup (Noah). Graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City class of 1972. His proudest moment was receiving his degree in theatrical arts on a Broadway stage from Danny Kaye, Mickey Rooney, and the great Helen Hayes. He signed with Paramount Pictures in 1972 to co-star with James Caan in "The Gambler" and in 1973 was creating the role of Sam Greene on BROADWAY in "The First Breeze of Summer" at the Palace Theatre with the Negro Ensemble Company and was nominated for a TONY for Best Drama. Also he did "Ceremonies of Dark Old Men" with the Negro Ensemble Company at the Walnut Street Playhouse in Philadelphia. He co-starred with Lou Gossett and Glynn Turman in the classic J.D.'s Revenge, and with Roslind Cash in "The Monkey Hustle" both for MGM studios, Carl was featured on the New York radio soap opera "Sounds of the City" with Ruby Dee and Robert Guillame. He moved to LA after landing a regular role in the TV series "Executive Suite" which ran for two years on ABC networks. Mr. Crudup has guest-starred in over 40 TV episodic roles and has done well over 100 plays in his career. TV shows include Rockford Files, Harry-O, The Six Million Dollar Man, Baretta, The White Shadow, ER, Blue Knight, TJ Hooker, Beauty and the Beast, Vega$, etc. currently he has a new film due out in 2013 called "Scourge" in which he co-stars. Carl is from the Bay area in California.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

ATTENTION!

CAMP LOGAN

WRITTEN BY CELESTE BEDFORD WALKER

OPENING WEEKEND IS

HERE

In honor of the Opening Weekend for Camp Logan on April 28th & 29th and running though May 27th, the Robey Blog is featuring one character and actor every week as we count down to the opening weekend for Camp Logan. This "sound-off" will serve as a brief introduction, a kind of insight into the life of the soldier, written from the character's point of view by the actor embodying him in this production.

This week's Sound- Off is from Sgt McKinney:

Lee Stansberry (Sgt. McKinney) is a veteran stage actor of over 25 years performing in the U.S. and abroad. Some of his works include Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun, Peterson in A Soldiers Play, Ice in Short Eyes, Val in Split Second, all of which garnered him Best actor awards for the theatre. He portrayed Knobby Coles in Get Ready and Sterling in Two Trains Running, Nolan in Black Eagles, all in the Ensemble Theatre in Houston, Texas. Lee has performed in London, England at The Shaw Theatre and The Hackney Empire performing in the national touring company of The Diary of Blackmen as The Player. The play in 1987 won the NAACP Theatre Award for Best Play.
Lee just recently returned from Houston, where he played Doub in Jitney, and was last seen in Los Angeles as Philmore, in Jitney at the Lilliian Theatre, and at Theater Theater as Orville in Daddy’s Dying, Who’s Got the Will? Lee was also a cast member of 1995 Camp Logan cast when it won the NAACP Theatre Award playing the character of Gweenly Brown in that production.
Lee has a B.A. degree in theatre from Prairie View A&M University and is also a substitute teacher in the LAUSD.

Camp Logan is directed by Alex Morris and is a production collaboration with three production companies: Robey Theatre Company, Sparkling City Entertainment, and Juvee Productions.
Camp Logan runs April 28th - May 27th and will be held at the:
Los Angeles Theatre Center
514 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013Ticket Pricing
General Admission: $30
Student: $20
Senior: $20
Veterans: $20
Groups of 10 or more: $20 each

Sunday, April 22, 2012

ATTENTION!

CAMP LOGAN

WRITTEN BY CELESTE BEDFORD WALKER

OPENING WEEKEND IS

APRIL 28TH & 29TH

In honor of the Opening Weekend for Camp Logan on April 28th & 29th and running though May 27th, the Robey Blog is featuring one character and actor every week as we count down to the opening weekend for Camp Logan. This "sound-off" will serve as a brief introduction, a kind of insight into the life of the soldier, written from the character's point of view by the actor embodying him in this production.

This week's Sound- Off is from Captain Zuelke:

In Winter 2012 Jacob Sidney played Dr. Khobotov in Theatre Movement Bazaar’s THE TREATMENT, an original adaptation of Chekhov’s Ward 6 co-produced with the Theatre @ Boston Court. Previously he played Jekyll/Hyde in TMB’s MODEL BEHAVIOR, and also appeared in their filmed ensemble for MONSTER OF HAPPINESS. In 2011 Jacob Sidney played Ty Cobb in HONUS & ME for director Abigail Deser at the MainStreet Theatre Company in Rancho Cucamonga, as well as appearing in Padraic Duffy’s PUZZLER at Sacred Fools. In musical pursuits he sang and performed onstage with legendary band Sparks in their one-night performance of THE SEDUCTION OF INGMAR BERGMAN at the Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles, as well as launching holiday vocal group THE SLEIGH BELLES with Crystal Keith, Richard Levinson, and Vanessa Stewart.
Previously Jacob played Nicholas in THE RECKONING for the Robey, and Caliban in THE TEMPEST for Action! He also played Horatio in HAMLET at Theatre 150 in Ojai CA for director Jessica Kubzansky, and Guildenstern in Michael Michetti’s HAMLET at A Noise Within. He spent 2006-7 playing Patrick (“a soulful skinhead with a gorgeous singing voice” – nytheatre.com) in the contemporary Gilbert & Sullivan-style operetta THE BEASTLY BOMBING (over 70 performances in LA and NY, and LA Weekly’s Musical of the Year 2006). Additional LA theatre includes A SWEET DEAL, his own full-length solo show; as well as BEATRICE, the title role of PEER GYNT, DUBYA 2004, DUBYA 2000, CRAZYFACE, and Padraic Duffy’s TELL THE BEES and BEAVERQUEST!
Onstage in Seattle (his home town) he appeared in THE DUCHESS OF MALFI (as Ferdinand); SAINT JOAN and RELATIVE VALUES with Greek Active; A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Lysander) with Wooden O; and several of the original works of director Derek Horton (CAT-LIKE TREAD, PIMPIN). Sidney's additional plays include BENT (Horst) and THE NORMAL HEART (Felix) in Portland, Oregon; and A CHORUS LINE (Paul), THE GRAPES OF WRATH (Tom Joad), WEST SIDE STORY (Riff), and LA BOH»ME (singing Schaunard) in Bellingham, Washington.
Jacob sings (as a classically trained baritone fluent in Big Band and Rockabilly), writes (prose and dialogue, fiction and non-), composes music, arranges choral parts, and directs theatre and choral groups. He’s a regular performer in the Wig Out! cabaret; and also occasionally analyzes and helps to develop/produce new theatre scripts, the result of a two-year stint as Literary Director for Circle X Theatre Co. of Hollywood.
A life-long fan of the Seattle Mariners, Sidney would like to be known as the Ichiro of theatre.

Camp Logan is directed by Alex Morris and is a production collaboration with three production companies: Robey Theatre Company, Sparkling City Entertainment, and Juvee Productions.
Camp Logan runs April 28th - May 27th and will be held at the:
Los Angeles Theatre Center
514 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Saturday, April 14, 2012

ATTENTION!

CAMP LOGAN

WRITTEN BY CELESTE BEDFORD WALKER

OPENING WEEKEND IS

APRIL 28TH & 29TH

In honor of the Opening Weekend for Camp Logan on April 28th & 29th and running though May 27th, the Robey Blog is featuring one character and actor every week as we count down to the opening weekend for Camp Logan. This "sound-off" will serve as a brief introduction, a kind of insight into the life of the soldier, written from the character's point of view by the actor embodying him in this production.

This week's Sound-Off is from the brother of Private First Class Jacques Honore "Bugaloosa":

Jacques "Bugaloosa" Honore

Dorian Christian Baucum (Jacques “Bugaloosa” Honore) is a television, film and theatre actor currently based in Los Angeles. Born in Washington, D.C., Dorian got his first break into acting in the professional theatre playing Henson in a production of Charles Fuller's Pulitzer Prize winning work A Soldier’s Play. But, it was working as an understudy to the Tony Award winning actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson on August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean before it when to Broadway that made him want to take his acting career to another level. Working on Wilson's production, he was able to interact with and watch critically acclaimed T.V. and film actors who'd cut their teeth in the American Theatre, like Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Gay Hamilton and Anthony Chisholm, work their chops under the direction of renowned Broadway Director, Kenny Leon.
Within two years of graduating from the University of California, San Diego with an MFA in Acting, he guest starred on CSI: Las Vegas and played Max Gonzalez, a veteran of the War in Iraq suffering from amnesia and post-traumatic stress disorder over a four episode arc on the final season of ER.
His regional theatre credits include: A Soldier's Play, Blue/Orange, Yellowman, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Spell #7, and Raisin, a musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 play, A Raisin in the Sun. His classical theatre credits include: Measure for Measure, Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Deception, a play based on Pierre Marivaux's La Fausse Suivante. He has appeared in two Robey Theatre Company productions: The Reckoning and Pity the Proud Ones.

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM DORIAN ON PLAYING BUGALOOSA:
Dorian says, “It is such a great experience working with this cast and crew on Camp Logan. My hat goes off to Celeste Bedford Walker for putting this story onto paper so brilliantly. Bringing black history to the stage is right in alignment with one of the reasons I got into theatre. I want to bring stories of people of color to light. I feel that there are so many stories to be told and so many lessons the world can learn from our rich experience. Jacques “Bugaloosa” Honore is a great character to take on, because of my love for music, my curiosity about Louisiana Creole culture and the challenge of playing someone that has survived such a traumatic experience in his life (an experience revealed in the play).
Bugaloosa is a musician, a mystic (the Virgin Mary is his saving grace), an alcoholic, an honorable soldier and a colored man born in a country that places little if any value at all on his humanity and his manhood. He is a part of a courageous brotherhood of soldiers-Buffalo Soldiers-working to take their place as men. I do not take the mission of bringing him to the stage lightly. It is a gift to be able to learn from him and from all the men that we as actors are working to represent in this production. ”

Hail Mary
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

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Dorian has been working with the MUSIC DIRECTOR for CAMP LOGAN and horn player MIKE DAVIS to learn how to play the coronet for the show, here is the fingering for some of the songs.

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Camp Logan is directed by Alex Morris and is a production collaboration with three production companies: Robey Theatre Company, Sparkling City Entertainment, and Juvee Productions.
Camp Logan runs April 28th - May 27th and will be held at the:
Los Angeles Theatre Center
514 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013